The Uyo Liberation Movement (ULM) has described the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines and restrictions on political party timelines, as a major turning point in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The court, presided over by Justice M.G. Umar, ruled in a suit filed by the Youth Party that INEC cannot abridge or limit timelines already provided under the Electoral Act 2026. The court held that political parties retain the statutory right to manage their internal processes within the legally prescribed timeframe.
The judgment further invalidated INEC’s directive requiring submission of membership registers by May 10, affirming instead that political parties have up to September 2026 to update and submit their membership registers. The court also held that INEC lacks the power to shorten statutory timelines or interfere with internal party processes.
In a related aspect of the judgment, the court nullified provisions and directives restricting party activities on substitution of candidates and primary elections timelines, holding that aspirants who lose party primaries may still be substituted in line with lawful party processes. The court also set aside INEC’s revised timetable on primaries, submission of candidates, publication of particulars, substitution of candidates, and related timelines, affirming that INEC must operate within the minimum constitutional and statutory limits, including the 60-day rule for publication of final candidates.
Reacting to the judgment, the Secretary General of the group, Elder Prince Emmanuel Sam, commended the court for what he described as a restoration of political freedom and fairness in the electoral process.
He stated that the ruling has now created broader political space for participation, internal party democracy, and equal opportunity for aspirants across all political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Elder Prince Emmanuel Sam therefore called on all sons and daughters of Offot Ukwa Clan to take advantage of the judgment by joining any political party of their choice and immediately picking up nomination forms to position themselves for elective opportunities.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that Offot Ukwa Clan produces the next House of Assembly member for Uyo State Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
He described the judgment as a “game changer” and a win for democratic participation, adding that it has strengthened the rights of political actors and expanded opportunities for credible representation.
The ULM leadership maintained that with the court’s decision, political participation has been further liberalized, urging citizens to actively engage in party processes and prepare for full participation in the 2027 electoral cycle.
The group has also raised concern based on intelligence gathered from its sources that there are alleged moves by certain political actors to mobilise individuals across political parties to begin mopping up Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), reportedly with offers of about #5,000 in exchange. The group warned that residents should not allow anyone to buy or collect their PVC for any reason, stressing that voters’ cards must not be transacted or surrendered under any circumstance.
ULM urged the people to remain vigilant, noting that what some actors are after is the control and manipulation of voters’ strength. It advised citizens instead to register with any political party they believe in and remain committed to democratic participation as a way of strengthening the political liberation of Uyo.
